Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome in an Adolescent With Bilateral Multiple Parotid Glands Calcifications and Cysts: A Case Report

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder that usually affects middle-aged females. Juvenile SS is of unknown prevalence. The classic presenting symptoms in adults are mouth and eye dryness, while in children and adolescents, recurrent parotitis is more often the presenting symptom with the absence of sicca symptoms. We present the case of a 17-year-old girl with recurrent bilateral parotid swelling for the last eight months. The parotid CT scan showed prominent parotid glands associated with multiple tiny calcifications and cyst formation. Serologic studies showed significantly elevated Ro/SSA antibodies. A lip biopsy showed periductal lymphocytic infiltration. As the patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for SS, she was subsequently referred to a rheumatologist for specialized management. This report aims to focus on the variation in the presentation of SS in younger age groups among different specialties that deal with these cases initially and to diagnose SS as early as possible to improve the outcome and reduce complications.